EPA Finalizes 2014-2016 RFS Requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Nov. 30 issued the final volumetric requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014 through 2016. EPA also released a 2017 standard for biomass-based diesel.

NATSO will issue an in-depth analysis of the numbers in the coming days.

The volumes include reductions from the statutory standards in the original 2007 Energy Independence & Security Act but mark an increase from the EPA proposal earlier this year, reflecting an increase in fuel demand. The final 2016 standard for advanced biofuel is nearly 1 billion gallons, or 35 percent, higher than the actual 2014 volumes. Biodiesel standards grow steadily over the next several years, increasing every year to reach 2 billion gallons by 2017.

EPA had agreed to issue its final rule establishing the volumes for 2014 and 2015 by Nov. 30 under a consent decree that settled a lawsuit over EPA’s failure to meet Congressionally mandated RFS deadlines.